RE: Driven: Ferrari 458 Italia

[big_rob_sydney]

I dont get why so many people are moaning about the tech advance.

Do you want to be the worlds most skilled horse and carriage driver? Luddites.

I'm happy to enjoy old cars, but I thoroughly enjoy good modern cars too. And I think this one is a cracker. It may not be perfect (what is?), but when you consider the vast diversity in peoples expectations, you'll never make everyone happy. In that context, its a pretty good attempt.

[Mario149]

Streetrod said:

I think we have reached a tipping point in the car industry when manufactures seem to be adding more and more gadgets just for gadgets sake. It’s almost as if they have run out of ideas on how to market or distinguish their cars from one other. Add to that the ever more evil eye of EU and US safety and emissions regulations and we now have a breed of cars more closely associated with a Cray supercomputer than anything else.

I was pleased to hear that Lamborghini had set out its stall and announced they would no longer be chasing top speeds but will concentrate on lightness and acceleration. This will allow them to keep the V10 and V12 engines but also offer lower emissions.

The 458 has a succumbed to an over reliance on computers.

Would Ferrari customers buy a sub 1200kg NA enginned 458 replacement with a minimum or electronics, conventional spring/damper units with a mechanical diff and iron brakes, i.e. an upmarket Elise? Would this be seen as a step backwards? Or is Ferrari duty bound to constantly push the performance envelop at what ever cost to eke out that extra tenth here or there.

I can’t believe I am saying this as a dyed in the wool petrol head, but when is enough enough?

Edited by Streetrod on Wednesday 15th December 19:03

I've already suggested it!

[Mario149]

And this time I'll actually add the link!

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Mr Whippy]

will261058 said:

wolves_wanderer said:

b14 said:

If only it wasn't so ridiculous looking.

Like someone has beaten it with the "Chris Bangle stick"

The Bangle analogy is a good one as in a couple of years I think that most people will come round to it. Having seen one in the flesh it is one of the best looking cars I have ever seen.

Why is the "Bangle analogy" good? Why do we have to look at a car for a couple of years before we like it? I am a dyed in the wool BMW enthusiast yet I do not like the Bangle era. The E60 5 series is only "ok" to me now after 7 years and a new (much better) model has superceeded it! Thankfully BMW seem to be going back to the days when new models looked good as soon as the sheet was taken off instead of having to wait for a couple of years! If the designers cant drag you round to " their way " as soon as you see their efforts then in my book they have failed.

The new 5 is hideous though

Dave